Professor of Linguistics
Ethelbert
Emmanuel
Kari
University of Port Harcourt
African Linguistics · Degema · Phonology-Morphology-Syntax Interface
Ethelbert Emmanuel Kari — Professor of Linguistics, University of Port Harcourt
About
Biography
Education
PhD, Tokyo University of Foreign Studies (2003)
Current Position
Professor of Linguistics, University of Port Harcourt
Born
6 September 1964, Usokun-Degema, Rivers State
Publications
9 books · 30+ articles · 11 chapters
Institutional Email
ethelbert.kari@uniport.edu.ng
Personal Email
eekari99@yahoo.com
Cited by
759+ (Google Scholar)
Ethelbert Emmanuel Kari (born 6 September 1964, Usokun-Degema, Rivers State, Nigeria) is a distinguished Nigerian linguist, scholar, author and Professor of Linguistics at the University of Port Harcourt. He specialises in morphology and has dedicated his career to the extensive description and documentation of African languages, with particular focus on the Edoid and Central Delta language families of the Niger-Congo phylum — providing the most detailed structural accounts of these languages available in contemporary scholarship.
Education and Career
Kari holds a B.A. and M.A. in Linguistics from the University of Port Harcourt (1991, 1996), and a Ph.D. in Linguistics from the Tokyo University of Foreign Studies (2003), where his dissertation "Clitics in Degema: A Meeting Point of Phonology, Morphology, and Syntax" was supervised by Professor Shigeki Kaji. He began teaching at the University of Port Harcourt in January 1995 as Graduate Assistant, rising to Senior Lecturer by 2010. From 2013 to 2021 he served as Associate Professor and then Professor of Linguistics at the University of Botswana, before returning to the University of Port Harcourt in 2024. He also served as Visiting Scholar at Ignatius Ajuru University of Education (2022–2023), and as visiting researcher at Kyoto University and the University of California, Berkeley.
Research and Publications
With over thirty years of university-level experience, Kari has published no fewer than thirty peer-reviewed journal articles, eleven book chapters, and nine books — including A Reference Grammar of Degema (2004), Degema-English Dictionary with English Index (2008), Morphology: An Introduction to the Study of Word Structure (2015), and A Cross-linguistic Perspective on Clitic Blocking: The Case of Enclitics (2024). His research centres on the phonology–morphology–syntax interface, cliticisation, language typology, and the description of Edoid, Central Delta, and other Niger-Congo and Khoisan languages.
Editorial and Collaborative Work
Kari serves or has served on the editorial boards of numerous national and international journals — including Journal of African Languages and Linguistics (Leiden), Studies in African Linguistics (Ohio State), and Journal of West African Languages — and has reviewed articles for many more. His international collaborations include joint publications with Nicholas Rolle (UC Berkeley), Peter Ladefoged, Sean Fulop, Ozo-mekuri Ndimele, and researchers at the University of Botswana, among others.
Scholarly Focus
Research Interests
African Linguistics
Broad comparative and typological study of the languages of Africa, with focus on the Niger-Congo phylum and the Edoid language family of the Niger Delta.
Degema Linguistics
In-depth description and documentation of Degema, a Delta Edoid language of Rivers State, Nigeria, including its phonology, morphology, syntax, and lexicon.
Phonology–Morphology–Syntax Interface
Investigation of the complex interactions between phonological processes, morphological structure, and syntactic organization, with special attention to cliticisation.
Comparative Grammar
Cross-linguistic comparison of grammatical structures across African languages, illuminating patterns of similarity and typological diversity.
Language Description & Documentation
Fieldwork-based grammatical description and archival documentation of endangered and under-described languages of West and Southern Africa.
Clitic Theory
Theoretical and descriptive analysis of clitics and their distinction from affixes and words, drawing on data from Degema, Naro, Pashto, and other languages.
Career
Academic Experience
Over thirty years of distinguished teaching, research, administrative, professional and community service across Nigeria, Botswana, and Japan.
Education
PhD, Linguistics
Tokyo University of Foreign Studies
Tokyo, Japan
2003
MA, Linguistics and African Languages
University of Port Harcourt
Port Harcourt, Nigeria
1996
BA (Hons), Linguistics — Second Class Honors (Upper Division)
University of Port Harcourt
Port Harcourt, Nigeria
1991
Awards and Scholarships
Award of Excellence
For distinguished leadership, academic excellence, and transformative impact on teaching, research and institutional development
Lord's New Church Nigeria, Usokun Assembly
2025
Postdoctoral Fellow
Japan Society for the Promotion of Science (JSPS)
Tokyo University of Foreign Studies
2003 – 2004
Japanese Government (Monbukagakusho) Scholar
Government of Japan
Tokyo University of Foreign Studies
1999 – 2003
Visiting Appointments
Visiting Scholar
University of California, Berkeley
Berkeley, USA
2016
Visiting Associate Professor
Kyoto University
Kyoto, Japan
2008
Professor of Linguistics
University of Port Harcourt
Port Harcourt, Nigeria
Teaching core and advanced linguistics courses in the Department of Linguistics and Language Arts. Supervising undergraduate and postgraduate research. Continuing research in African and Degema linguistics.
Professor and Visiting Scholar
Ignatius Ajuru University of Education
Port Harcourt, Nigeria
Served as Visiting Scholar, contributing to teaching and research in linguistics.
Professor of Linguistics
University of Botswana
Gaborone, Botswana
Full Professor in the Department of African Languages and Literature. Research on language documentation, clitic theory, and African languages including Naro and other Niger-Congo languages.
Associate Professor of Linguistics
University of Botswana
Gaborone, Botswana
Taught linguistics and African language courses; supervised postgraduate students; published on language vitality, morphology, and cliticisation.
Senior Lecturer
University of Botswana
Gaborone, Botswana
Lectured in the Department of African Languages and Literature. Initiated comparative research on Southern and West African languages.
Senior Lecturer
University of Port Harcourt
Port Harcourt, Nigeria
Taught graduate and undergraduate linguistics. Supervised MA and PhD students. Active research on Degema phonology, morphology, and syntax.
Lecturer I
University of Port Harcourt
Port Harcourt, Nigeria
Taught undergraduate and postgraduate linguistics courses in the Department of Linguistics and Communication Studies.
Lecturer II
University of Port Harcourt
Port Harcourt, Nigeria
Returned from doctoral studies in Tokyo to resume teaching duties at the University of Port Harcourt.
Assistant Lecturer
University of Port Harcourt
Port Harcourt, Nigeria
Taught introductory and intermediate linguistics while undertaking doctoral research in Tokyo.
Graduate Assistant
University of Port Harcourt
Port Harcourt, Nigeria
Began teaching career in the then Department of Linguistics and African Languages on 30 January 1995.
Scholarly Output
Publications
A selected list of publications. For the complete record including all citations, visit Google Scholar.
Monographs & Grammars
Books
Degema
Languages of the World / Materials 180
Lincom Europa
All Publications
2024
A Cross-linguistic Perspective on Clitic Blocking: The Case of Enclitics
Journal of Linguistics and Communication Studies
A Cross-linguistic Perspective on Clitic Blocking: The Case of Enclitics
Journal of Linguistics and Communication Studies
Vol. 5, No. 1, pp. 1–25
Okrika Dictionary by Dr Alfred S Abam (Ado IX)
In: Exposition of Published Works of Dr Alfred S Abam (Ado IX), Amanyanabo of Okrika, and Clan Head, Okrika Clan
Tamunoene Kingdom Abam (ed.)
Touch of Excellence, Port Harcourt
Tone and Prosodic Recursion in Degema Nouns and Noun Phrases
with Nicholas Rolle
Journal of African Languages and Linguistics
Vol. 43, No. 2, pp. 249–283
DOI: 10.1515/jall-2022-8898Factative and Perfect Aspect Markers in Degema and Kalabari
Language Matters
Vol. 52, No. 1, pp. 113–138
DOI: 10.1080/10228195.2021.1879238Politeness in Language Use at Tswana Kgotla Meetings
with P. Kololo
Studies in Linguistics
Vol. 59, pp. 215–252
The Languages of Rivers State of Nigeria: An Overview
Marang: Journal of Language and Literature
Vol. 31, pp. 1–22
On the Morphology of Degema Modifier, Demonstrative and Interrogative Nominals
South African Linguistics and Applied Language Studies
Vol. 36, No. 4, pp. 341–353
Verb Inflectional Morphology in Ikwere
with R. I. C. Alerechi
Studies in Linguistics
Vol. 48, pp. 79–113
Cognate Object Constructions in Degema
Linguistique et Langues Africaines (LLA)
No. 3, pp. 29–53
Central Delta Languages: An Overview
Stellenbosch Papers in Linguistics
Vol. 47, pp. 1–26
On the Status of Subject Markers in African Languages
Studies in Linguistics
Vol. 44, pp. 99–134
DOI: 10.17002/sil..44.201707.99Investigating Language Vitality in Some Parts of North Eastern Botswana
with B. Mogara, M. Kadenge & D. Molefhi
Marang: Journal of Language and Literature
Vol. 29, pp. 9–30
Word Formation Strategies in Degema
South African Journal of African Languages
Vol. 36, No. 1, pp. 83–91
The Clitic Nature of Person-Gender-Number Markers in Naro
with B. Mogara
Language Matters
Vol. 47, No. 1, pp. 128–148
Restrictions in the Attachment of Verbal Extensions in Degema
Studies in Linguistics
Vol. 39, pp. 399–429
Degema Clitics and Serial Verb Constructions at the Syntax–Phonology Interface
with N. Rolle
In: Diversity in African Languages: Selected Papers from the 46th Annual Conference on African Linguistics
Doris L. Payne, Sara Pacchiarotti & Mokaya Bosire (eds.)
Language Science Press, Berlin
2015
Morphology: An Introduction to the Study of Word Structure
University of Port Harcourt Press
Second Position Clitics in Degema: A Reanalysis
Journal of West African Languages
Vol. 42, No. 2, pp. 15–30
Parasynthesis in Degema: Simultaneous Affixation or Suffixation and Concomitant Prefixation?
Journal of the Linguistics Association for SADC Universities (LASU)
Vol. 4, No. 2, pp. 8–23
Strategies for Naming Tourist Sites in Botswana
with B. Mogara
Marang: Journal of Language and Literature
Vol. 24, pp. 3–26
Endocliticization and the Lexical Integrity Hypothesis: Insights from Degema
In: Pronouns and Clitics in Early Language
Maria P. Larrañaga & Pedro Guijarro-Fuentes (eds.)
Mouton De Gruyter, Berlin
Degema Orthography
In: Orthographies of Nigerian Languages Manual IX
Ozo-mekuri Ndimele (ed.)
National Educational Research and Development Council, Abuja
Odual Orthography
In: Orthographies of Nigerian Languages Manual IX
Ozo-mekuri Ndimele (ed.)
National Educational Research and Development Council, Abuja
Abuan Orthography
with K. J. Joshua
In: Orthographies of Nigerian Languages Manual IX
Ozo-mekuri Ndimele (ed.)
National Educational Research and Development Council, Abuja
Further Evidence in Favour of the Affixal Origin of Degema Clitics
Journal of the Linguistic Association of Nigeria (JOLAN)
Vol. 13, No. 2, pp. 245–262
Degema Linguistics: Ben Ohiomamhe Elugbe's Contributions to Degema Linguistics
In: Language Policy, Planning and Management in Nigeria: A Festschrift for Ben O. Elugbe
Ozo-mekuri Ndimele (ed.)
M & J Grand Orbit Communications Ltd., Port Harcourt
2009
A Grammatical Description of the Odual Language
Research Institute for World Languages, Osaka University
Language: Some Historical Implications
with O.-M. Ndimele & J. G. I. Ayuwo
In: The Izon of the Niger Delta
E. J. Alagoa, T. N. Tamuno & J. P. Clark (eds.)
Onyoma Research Publications, Port Harcourt
2008
Degema-English Dictionary with English Index
Research Institute for Languages and Cultures of Asia and Africa, Tokyo University of Foreign Studies
Vowel Harmony in Degema, Nigeria
Kiabara: Journal of Humanities
Vol. 14, No. 2, pp. 127–137
Behavioural Asymmetry in Affix-Clitic Attachment in Degema
Kiabara: Journal of Humanities
Vol. 14, No. 1, pp. 13–22
The Pronominal System of Odual
Studies in African Linguistics
Vol. 36, pp. 91–113
Noun Class Vestiges in Odual
In: Nigerian Languages, Literatures, Cultures and Reforms: A Festschrift for Ayo Bamgbose
Ozo-mekuri Ndimele (ed.)
M & J Grand Orbit Communications Ltd. & Emhai Press, Port Harcourt
Aspects of the Syntax of Cross-referencing Clitics in Degema
In: Language and Economic Reforms in Nigeria
Ozo-mekuri Ndimele, Clara I. Ikekeonwu & B. M. Mbah (eds.)
M & J Grand Orbit Communications Ltd., Port Harcourt
Degema Subject Markers: Are They Prefixes or Proclitics?
Journal of West African Languages
Vol. 32, No. 1–2, pp. 13–20
Clitic Doubling: Insights from Degema
In: Globalization and the Study of Languages in Africa
Ozo-mekuri Ndimele (ed.)
M & J Grand Orbit Communications Ltd. & Emhai Press, Port Harcourt
The Grammar of Degema Auxiliaries
In: Trends in the Study of Languages and Linguistics: A Festschrift for Philip Akujuoobi Nwachukwu
Ozo-mekuri Ndimele (ed.)
National Institute for Nigerian Languages, Aba
2004
A Reference Grammar of Degema
Grammatical Analyses of African Languages, Vol. 22
Rüdiger Köppe Verlag
2003
Clitics in Degema: A Meeting Point of Phonology, Morphology, and Syntax
Research Institute for Languages and Cultures of Asia and Africa, Tokyo University of Foreign Studies
Serial Verb Constructions in Degema, Nigeria
African Study Monographs
Vol. 24, No. 4, pp. 271–289
Lexical Borrowing in Degema
In: Dynamics of Borrowing Relationship between Local Languages and Lingua Francae, in Africa and Indonesia
Shigeki Kaji (ed.)
Osaka Gakuin University, Osaka
A Minimalist Account of Pro-drop in Degema
with O.-M. Ndimele
In: In the Linguistic Paradise: A Festschrift for E. Nolue Emenanjo
Ozo-mekuri Ndimele (ed.)
National Institute for Nigerian Languages, Aba
2002
The Source of Degema Clitics
Lincom Europa
Distinguishing Between Clitics and Words in Degema, Nigeria
African Study Monographs
Vol. 23, No. 4, pp. 177–192
Distinguishing Between Clitics and Affixes in Degema, Nigeria
African Study Monographs
Vol. 23, No. 3, pp. 91–115
Inflection vs. Derivation in Degema
Journal of Asian and African Studies
Vol. 64, pp. 129–140
On Endoclitics: Some Facts from Degema
Journal of Asian and African Studies
Vol. 63, pp. 37–53
On the Grammar of Clitics in Degema
Journal of Asian and African Studies
Vol. 61, pp. 179–192
2000
Ogbronuagum: The Bukuma Language
Lincom Europa
An Acoustic Study of the Tongue Root Contrast in Degema Vowels
with S. A. Fulop & P. Ladefoged
Phonetica
Vol. 55, No. 1–2, pp. 80–98
Final Close Vowels in a Sequence of Vowels in Degema: A Reanalysis
Afrika und Übersee
Vol. 81, pp. 113–118
1997
Degema
Languages of the World / Materials 180
Lincom Europa
Further Analysis of Degema Vowel Harmony
with S. A. Fulop & P. Ladefoged
UCLA Working Papers in Phonetics
Vol. 95, pp. 1–17
Dialectal Variations, Controversies and the Way Forward: The Degema Example
Afrikanistische Arbeitspapiere
Vol. 49, pp. 13–20
Extensional Suffixes in Degema
Afrikanistische Arbeitspapiere
Vol. 44, pp. 149–168
Clitics in Degema
Nigerian Language Studies
Vol. 3, pp. 6–12
Get in Touch
Contact
For academic collaborations, speaking engagements, graduate supervision inquiries, external examinations, promotion assessments, or media requests, please reach out through the details below.
Institutional Email
ethelbert.kari@uniport.edu.ngPersonal Email
eekari99@yahoo.comDepartment
Dept. of Linguistics and Language Arts, Faculty of Humanities
University
University of Port Harcourt, PMB 5323, Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Nigeria
Google Scholar
scholar.google.com — ProfileResearchGate
researchgate.net/profile/Ethelbert-KariAcademia.edu
uniport.academia.edu/EthelbertKariLanguage is a mirror-image of man and his environment.
— Ethelbert Emmanuel Kari
Curriculum Vitae
Download CV (PDF)